new blog September 26, 2008
Posted by lesli in updates.add a comment
We have switched back to blogger and have found a new home at www.holdenfamilyexperience.blogspot.com
Check it out!
nascar maybe? September 26, 2008
Posted by lesli in preteen, weekends.add a comment
Today we are planning on taking around 50 preteens to Nascar Speedpark in Sevierville. CRAZY RIGHT? We are really excited about having fun with the kids on the track. But, it is looking like rain so we may have to cancel which would be a bummer. So, we will have to wait and see I guess.
Then we are staying the rest of the weekend in Pigeon Forge for a little time away and will hopefully get to hang out with some friends while we are there. YIPEE!!!
Hope you have a great weekend!!!
egg creation September 25, 2008
Posted by lesli in jess, random.add a comment
What is Jesse’s favorite thing to cook when he has had a long day….a big juicy steak, a cheeseburger and fries?? No….not my man. He makes eggs and toast 
These aren’t just any eggs, they have a special name, they are what he proudly calls his, ”egg creation.” Now what exactly makes these eggs so special you might ask?? Well after all the smoke has cleared from the kitchen, it becomes clear. Lots of butter, cheese & ham…I mean it can’t be too bad with all that right?
I have tasted this and to be honest, it is really good. Why eggs and toast you may ask? Well, according to Jesse his dad loved to make eggs & toast after a long Sunday at church. So, like father, like son.
Look at that face…complete happiness!
jesse loves chocolate too September 23, 2008
Posted by lesli in jess, shbc.1 comment so far
Yes, ladies and gentlemen…my man will be singing a solo this year in the LCT called “hot chocolate.” How crazy is that?? He has so many hidden talents…singing…uhm, well it hasn’t been one of them. Who knew?? Sorry babe But this song is really more taking and exclaiming than actual singing, but it promises to be quite entertaining and I know he is going to do a great job! This is the same song Tom Hanks did in Polar Express.
Check it out here
I had to post some pics of him recording his debut song, “hot chocolate” at church. Hillarious. He is really getting into his moves here.
How cute is he?? He is really excited and I can’t wait to see him up there! So, listen for hot chocolate this year and cheer for the mayor of Christmastown aka JH!
AIR! September 23, 2008
Posted by lesli in praise, updates.add a comment
Praise!!! The air is fixed! YIPEE!!!
~Hello Fall!~ September 22, 2008
Posted by lesli in family, infertility journey, praise, preteen, updates, weekends.add a comment
FALL IS FINALLY HERE!!!
We are so excited! Jesse and I both love this season and can’t wait to see all the changes that it will bring!
We had a great weekend…with nothing really planned…It WAS GREAT! We did yardwork, sat on our front porch (something we never take time to do) took long naps and took a long walk around the neighborhood. The weather was so nice. It was a great weekend to enjoy the outdoors.
This Friday we we are headed to Nascar speedpark in Sevierville with around 60+ preteens. Mountain Dew will be in our future I am sure of it It should be alot of fun and will be our first outing with all our new 5th graders. We are quickly getting to know one another and wow…this class is a spunky one for sure.
Jess and I are planning to spend the rest of the weekend in Pigeon Forge for a little time away. Is it funny how a couple of days away can make a such a difference? We both are looking forward to the holidays this year and spending time with family. This year has been such a busy one for our family. When you are both in ministry, the weekends are usually not open to traveling and that has made it hard to spend alot of time with Jesse’s parents. The cool thing is that they understand what it’s like and you both cherish the time you do have that much more! Please continue to pray for Richard and Terry as they do have a serious potential buyer for their house in Canton. This would be a huge blessing/relief for them. God is doing such great things at their church in Dalton. It would be great if they could both move there really settle into the community. Yesterday Richard baptized 14 people and two new people made decisions. God is doing a great work and we are hearing awesome stories about it.
Thank you for your prayers as we continue to make tough decisions about fertility treatments. God is closing and opening doors and we rejoice to see His plan continue to unfold. So many of you have encouraged and blessed us during this time. We can’t tell you enough how much you mean to us. We are so blessed to have your support. For those of you looking for great resources to encourage others on this journey you need to go to www.sarahs-laughter.com. What a blessing this site has already been to me. There are real stories and testimonies…daily devotionals and I think they even have a support line if you need to just talk to someone or share a prayer request. Check it out.
Finally…I wanted to share a verse with you that seems to fit so well right now with all that is changing and happening around us. Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.” No matter who is elected president, if the stock market crashes, what color the leaves on the trees are…my Jesus will remain steadfast and unchanging. May that truth ground you today as you encounter this crazy, constantly changing world. We love you and Happy Harvest/Fall!
P.S. Fireproof comes out in theaters on Friday…this would be a great date night movie! From the makers of Facing the Giants… www.fireproofthemovie.com
Les
Adam September 19, 2008
Posted by lesli in family, inspiration.add a comment
My sister-in-law sent me some pictures of my brother yesterday. Most of which I had never seen before. When I opened each one, it was like for a moment he floated back into my life. It is the reason I love taking pictures and why, if I come to your house, I will want to see all your pictures of your loved ones. It captures a life, a moment, a memory that is gone forever. Here are a few of my amazing brother who now lives in heaven. I miss you Adam…more than I can say. I can’t wait to see you again.
just gotta say… September 16, 2008
Posted by lesli in praise, updates.1 comment so far
My sweet husband has lost at least 20 pds over the past 3 months and I couldn’t be more proud of the changes I see in him!!! I have lost some too, but not nearly as much. I am learning a ton of things about my eating habits and realizing that I was way too dependent on food for lots of reasons. Through a Bible study called The Lord’s Table through Setting Captives Free we are both seeing God teach us so much about ourselves and it has been an amazing process. Props to E & BJ for sharing this great study with us!
SO….great job babe and thanks for being my accountability partner!
~Lana & Stephen~ September 16, 2008
Posted by lesli in family.3 comments
Here are some pictures of Lana’s big day. It was sooo beautiful and everyone had a great time at the reception. It was a great day to catch up with family. I love weddings!!!
The ceremony
The first dance as husband and wife
The bride greeting guests
Cake time!
Eating some awesome food at the reception
Quality time with out of town family (Joy and Jackson)
Sarah & Lauren
With Aunt Debbie and Mom
Blake & Lauren
John, Blake & me
Dancing on the terrace (Charleton & Brooke)
perfect timing September 15, 2008
Posted by lesli in infertility journey, praise, updates.4 comments
“He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiates 3:11
Isn’t it funny how God always does things at exactly the right time? I mean He knows exactly how and where we are and when we will need things. This weekend has been just like that. Here are just a couple of things….First, our air went out this weekend at the house. And…it looks like we are not going to be able to fix it ourselves. So, what happens weather-wise this week? A cool-down…THANK YOU JESUS. Next, we found out that we are not pregnant this month over the weekend….what starts tonight? The infertility group…THANK YOU JESUS. I could go on with more stuff that happened where God had us at the right time and the right place. AMAZING.
So, thank you for all your prayers. We are excited about getting to the end of this phase of our journey and hopeful that God may have other doors for us to go through to raise children. His plan for our family is better than anything we could have ever even considered. We will be going back to the dr. at the end of the week to start a combination cycle of two different kinds of medicines that will hopefully increase our odds. It means more shots for me, but this won’t last forever, right? So things will move pretty quickly this next round and then over the next few months we will likely be at a crossroads. I think we are both ready to see what God has next if these treatments aren’t successful. I know it will be part of His perfect plan.
Hope you are having a great week and seeing God put you right where you should be in whatever circumstances you are facing. HE is the perfect planner!!!
Les
